World Observes AIDS Day with Fresh Optimism

Doha, December 01 (QNA) - The fight against AIDS continues with advancements in medicine and better access to health services raise optimism in reducing new infections as the globe observes World AIDS Day (WAD) today. The day is observed on 1st of December every year to generate awareness among the masses about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic. The acronym AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a medical condition in which there is a severe loss of the body's cellular immunity, greatly lowering the resistance to infection and malignancy. WAD provides an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in high prevalence countries and around the world. Global progress in both preventing and treating HIV emphasizes the benefits of sustaining investment in HIV/AIDS over the longer term. The latest report by the WHO, UNICEF and UNAIDS Report on the global HIV/AIDS response indicates that increased access to HIV services resulted in a 15% reduction of new infections over the past decade and a 22% decline in AIDS-related deaths in the last five years. The report highlights the work that has been done so far like improved access to HIV testing services enabled 61% of pregnant women in eastern and southern Africa to receive testing and counseling for HIV - up from 14% in 2005. Close to half (48%) of pregnant women in need receive effective medicines to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) in 2010. Antiretroviral therapy (ART), which not only improves the health and well-being of the infected people but also stops further HIV transmission, is available now for 6.65 million people in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for 47% of the 14.2 million people eligible to receive it. WHO Director of HIV Department Gottfried Hirnschall said, "It has taken the world ten years to achieve this level of momentum. There is now a very real possibility of getting ahead of the epidemic. But this can only be achieved by both sustaining and accelerating this momentum over the next decade and beyond." Between 2011-2015, World AIDS Days will have the theme of "Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths. The World AIDS Campaign focus on "Zero AIDS related deaths signify a push towards greater access to treatment for all. Backed by the United Nations, the "Getting to Zero" campaign runs until 2015 and builds on last year’s successful World AIDS Day "Light for Rights" initiative encompassing a range of vital issues identified by key affected populations. Advances in HIV science and programme innovations over the past year add hope for future progress. In times of economic austerity it will be essential to rapidly apply new science, technologies and approaches to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of HIV programmes in countries. Investment in HIV services could lead to billions in increased economic activity, according to the report. "When people are healthier, they are better able to cope financially. The report acknowledges that investment in HIV services could lead to total gains of up to US$ 34 billion by 2020 in increased economic activity and productivity, more than offsetting the costs of ART programmes," said the report. Much has been done to fight AIDS in 2011. UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Programme Paul De Lay, said, "2011 has been a game changing year. With new science, unprecedented political leadership and continued progress in the AIDS response, countries have a window of opportunity to seize this momentum and take their responses to the next level. "By investing wisely, countries can increase efficiencies, reduce costs and improve on results. However, gains made to date are being threatened by a decline in resources for AIDS." The vision for this year’s World AIDS Day and beyond may be aspirational, but the journey towards its attainment is laid with concrete milestones. The ten goals for 2015 are:- 1. Sexual transmission of HIV reduced by half, including among young people, men who have sex with men and transmission in the context of sex work. 2. Vertical transmission of HIV eliminated and AIDS-related maternal deaths reduced by half. 3. All new HIV infections prevented among people who use drugs. 4. Universal access to antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV who are eligible for treatment. 5. Tuberculosis (TB) deaths among people living with HIV reduced by half. 6. All people living with HIV and households affected by HIV are addressed in all national social protection strategies and have access to essential care and support. 7. Countries with punitive laws and practices around HIV transmission, sex work, drug use or homosexuality that block effective responses reduced by half. 8. HIV-related restrictions on entry stay and residence eliminated in half of the countries that have such restrictions. 9. HIV-specific needs of women and girls are addressed in at least half of all national HIV responses. 10. Zero tolerance for gender-based violence. (QNA)